Augmented-reality gaming is surprisingly effective on the 3DS, thanks to a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, and innovative use of the 3D display to create games on the fly from specially coded cards placed on a table or other surface. An archery game is preinstalled on the 3DS.

The eStore for digitally downloaded games will include a virtual console archive of Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles. Users can search by franchise, such as Mario, and find a timeline of all available games.